So let me guess: You’re gluten free. And you love to share your recipes plus product and restaurant reviews with others living gluten free.
You’ve probably been told that you know so much about living gluten free and also have awesome recommendations to share with others on the gluten free diet.
What are you waiting for? Today is the day for you to start your gluten free blog!
Put down your cell phone, close your inbox and mute the TV for the next 10 minutes and follow these three simple steps below. You’re new gluten free blog with be up and running before you even get through the next commercial break.
Let’s get started!
Disclaimer: Please note that some of the links below are affiliate links and I will earn a commission if you purchase through those links. I have used all of the products listed below and recommend them because they are helpful and are companies that I trust.
How to Start a Gluten Free Blog
The 3 Steps to Starting Your Own Gluten Free Blog
- Domain Name and Hosting
- Installing WordPress
- Making it Pretty
1) Domain Name and Hosting
This is the toughest decision…what do you want your domain name to be?
Mine is GlutenFreeMealPlan.org – I also own JennaDrew.com and several other domains. Here’s what worked for me –> Brainstorm as many different ideas as possible. Once you have thought of some possibilities head to Bluehost to see if your domain name is available by entering it in the box that looks like this:
You’ll also need to host your domain name. Hosting is like renting space on the web to display your blog. Bluehost has great rates and gives you your domain name for free if you decide to host with them.
You know how I love a good deal!
Below is a screenshot of what I use for package information settings.
The Domain Whois Privacy shields your personal address and phone number from being displayed to the public.
2) Installing WordPress
Once you’ve completed registration with Bluehost you’ll need to go through the process of installing WordPress.
WordPress is a blogging software. It’s the software that I use for GlutenFreeMealPlan.org. The best part is that it’s SUPER easy to use and it’s also super easy to install on your website. One click …and Viola!
Here’s how: Login to Bluehost and scroll down to the Software/Services section of the first page. Click on WordPress logo.
On the next page click the option to “Install a brand new version”.
Here is what your installation preferences should look like:
Click complete. If you get the warning below click “Overwrite Existing Files.”
Once you get the “Installation Complete” you’ll want to make note of the Login URL, Username, and Password to avoid lost password annoyance and frustration at yourself later. You can change these to something more personal and memorable later, but you’ll need them for your first time logging in.
Type your Login URL into your web browser. You’ll see a login screen like the one below. Enter your Username and Password you copied down from the previous step.
3) Making it Pretty
At this point, you officially have your own gluten free blog! Wahooooo! How does it feel? Welcome to the blogosphere, my friend!
You’re minutes away from sharing your gluten free journey and zucchini-pasta-with-meatballs recipe with the world.
Before you jump into the kitchen there are a few things you can do to beautify your blog – even if you don’t have any design skills. Let’s pick your WordPress theme! WordPress has tons of free WordPress themes to pick from. You can scan through the options here. If you’re looking for a premium theme, check out these options:
- The Thesis Theme – This was the first theme that I used with Gluten Free Meal Plan. We loved it and still highly recommend it.
- The Genesis Framework – This is the current framework we’re using with Gluten Free Meal Plan, JennaDrew.com and several other sites. You’ll also want to look into the available StudioPress Themes, like the Foodie Theme.
- Elegant Themes – I think Elegant Themes looks great, is easy to use, and has quite a few different options. It’s also a bit cheaper then the other premium themes listed here. Take a look and see what you think.